Position yourself for growth. Implement a strategic plan that establishes the foundation for your business growth.At this years' Leadership Institute for Women, attendees will learn:

* The Essence of Strategic Planning

* How to effectively develop a strategic planning process for success

* Key Components of a strategic plan

* Simple steps to create a Strategic (Marketing) Plan

* Key Criteria to use to Measure and Benchmark Success

* Key 2014 Trends for Consideration

Mark S. Lee, Professor of Business, Eastern Michigan University School of Business and writer of Crain's Detroit Business Blog will lead the instruction.

This one day executive education training will also include the highly rated Corporate Panel Discussion, moderated by Michelle Richards, CEED's Executive Director and WBEC - Great Lakes President. The panel of corporate buyers will share real talk on what it takes to do business with their companies.Afterwards, aStrategic Planning Exercise will be combined with lunch and will give attendees to put into practice what they have learned.

Registration will open at 8:15 am, Leadership Institute will start at 9:00am - 4:00pm, followed by a Networking Reception 4:00 to 5:00 pm. Registration cost $100.00. Continental breakfast, lunch and materials are included. For more information and to register, click here.

Upcoming Training OpportunitiesH

Felecia Roseburgh, Indiana Director, WBEC-Great Lakes

No matter what stage your business is in; CEED offers a training to move your business forward. Certification Orientations explain the application process and benefits of being certified. OmniSource Marketing will be hosting the Indiana Certification Orientations.To view the schedule and register for other certification events, click here.

CEED moves to Livonia

To better serve our members, CEED has moved to Livonia. The new office features various spaces for us to meet with clients, host meetings and reflects our expansive services. Our new address of 33109 Schoolcraft Rd., Livonia, MI 48150.

CEED's very own Pamela T. Smith is being recognized for the work she does as Women's Business Enterprise Council - Great Lakes Program Manager. Pamela educates women business owners about the benefits of certification. We're proud to have her on Team CEED! Congratulations Pam!

Since 2008, CEED has offered no-cost training and workshops for Detroit small business owners thanks to the Chase Foundation.

The 2014 schedule was kicked off with the Detroit Entrepreneur Week, a 4-day conference focusing on the needs of existing small business owners.

To view previous Entrepreneur Roundtables and register for the next one, click here.

Member Spotlight

CE Competitive Edge LLC, a Certified Women's Business Enterprise, is a full-service promotional product and premium company, specializing in branded merchandise. Now celebrating 20 years in business, they were recently recognized by DiversityBusiness.com as a top women-owned business in the US.

Located in Stevensville, CE Competitive Edge employs more than 20 people and serves clients locally, throughout Michigan and around the world. To learn more about Competitive Edge, click here.

If you would like to see your business get the spotlight it deserves, send us an email at newsletter@miceed.org.

Go-To Transport awarded Walmart Diverse Transportation Carrier of the Year

Congratulations to WBE Go-To Transport for being awarded Walmart's Diverse Transportation Carrier of the Year Award. Walmart awards the designation each year to companies who provide support to the retailer's Walmart Stores, Sam's Club's and distribution facilities located throughout the continental United States.

Tammy Tedesco

Edibles Rex wins $250,000 grant

Congratulations to Tammy Tedesco, Owner of Edibles Rex, for winning a $250,000 grant through the Chase Bank Mission Main Street program

Tammy was selected out of approximately 35,000 small businesses nationwide. Edibles Rex provides nutritional food to schools and is a catering company. Along with the grant, Tammy will receive training at Google offices in California.

Tammy was our 2013 Business Training & Professional Development Outstanding Achiever Award Honoree.

The Center for Empowerment and Economic Development is committed to empowering entrepreneurs through business development, training courses, capital assistance,Women's Business Certification program and contracting opportunities.